December 2007
UPDATE ON THE SUPREME COURT’S ACCESS TO JUSTICE COMMISSION
BY LYNN ETKINS, ESQ.
September 2007 marked the first anniversary of Nevada’s Access to Justice Commission. Comprised of 18 members with two associate justices of the Supreme Court serving as its co-chairs, the commission has embarked upon an aggressive and comprehensive agenda intended to improve the ability of all Nevadans, particularly those of modest means, to utilize Nevada’s legal system.
Of particular note is the commission’s approval of the first statewide legal needs assessment in Nevada history. When completed in mid-2008, this assessment will serve as a road map for enhancing access to justice programs throughout the state. The assessment is expected to provide the first comprehensive evaluation of the legal needs of rural Nevadans. In addition, the assessment will include recommendations for commission action in a variety of areas.
The commission has also worked with the Nevada Law Foundation in support of the proposal currently pending before the Supreme Court to transform Nevada’s IOLTA program by making it a comprehensive program in which all Nevada lawyers with trust accounts will participate.
The commission has sponsored a large law firm initiative which is intended to leverage the unique capabilities of larger law firms in support of pro bono legal services. As a result of these meetings in the north and the south, the commission plans to create a large law firm pro bono committee, allowing the firms to address pro bono representation in Nevada. The commission is also completing work on another initiative intended to increase the availability of pro bono legal services. Under the proposed Emeritus Program, upon approval by the Supreme Court, retired attorneys will be allowed to perform pro bono legal services through a qualified legal services provider.
The executive directors of Nevada’s legal services organizations now meet regularly to discuss statewide delivery of services, retention of attorneys and how to better provide legal services to rural Nevada. Additionally, the commission has sought to reach out to the next generation of Nevada’s lawyers by sponsoring a public interest lecture series, enabling law students to speak with attorneys who began their legal careers at legal services offices.
The commission looks back upon a successful first year and anticipates a highly productive year ahead. For more information on the commission or to participate on one of the standing committees, please contact Lynn Etkins at LynnE@nvbar.org or (702) 382-2200, ext. 404, or 1-800-254-2797.
Lynn Etkins, Esq. is the State Bar’s Access to Justice Coordinator and, in that capacity, serves as the Executive Director of the Access to Justice Commission.